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KEW COTTAGES COALITION

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Click here for the latest News >>> Ban Developer Donations ! The Yarra River Green Wedge established in 1984. Kew, Melbourne Australia. This prize 27 hectare site just kilometres from the city is being developed on a model than concerns the Committee greatly.... David Davis MLC Chairman, Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Public Land Development. It was September 11th 2008.	* ++++++++++++++ **

 

This STOP PRESS Kew Public Meeting Tuesday 2nd February 2010 Kew Public Meeting Calls on the Brumby Government to stop any further construction works on the Kew Cottages public land pending consideration of the Ombudsman's Report by both houses of State Parliament... (Follow via Twitter..) Summary of KCC Presentation (More..) Motions carried KEW COTTAGES COALITION INC. PRESENTS Kew Cottages and the State Election A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's PUBLIC MEETING MC Rod Quantock      All Local Members of State Parliament have been invited  inc: Andrew McIntosh (Liberal) ,  John Lenders (ALP),  Jennifer Huppert (ALP) Andrea Coote (Liberal),   David Davis  (Liberal, Chair. Public Land Inquiry) ,   Sue Pennicuik (Greens)   7pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010 Phyllis Hore Room Kew Civic Centre Cnr Cotham Road and Civic Drive KEW Melways  Map 45 D6 The next instalment in one of Melbourne's most contentious Major Projects. Topics for discussion: How has the State of Victoria managed to loose    $17 million building and selling 55 houses in Kew ? What will each of our local MP's do about protecting all of the remaining Kew Cottages Public Land if re-elected ? Do our MP's support the Kew Coalition's Alternative Plan ? How can the community help ?        ** ALL WELCOME !   Sunday 31st January 2010 Graham Richardson & MP's to assist Corruption Probe   THE NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption has questioned NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and Environment Minister Frank Sartor over their connections with business associates of murdered Sydney standover man Michael McGurk. ICAC sent a list of written questions to Ms Keneally and Mr Sartor ahead of its public hearings into the McGurk slaying, which begin tomorrow... The investigation follows claims by Jim Byrnes, an acquaintance of McGurk, that tapings were made of alleged corrupt business dealings. Among the witnesses called to appear before the inquiry is former Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson, who told a State parliamentary inquiry that he had heard part of the tape. The inquiry, the first to be held under new ICAC boss David Ipp, will also examine statements alleged to have been made by McGurk about corrupt conduct by NSW public officials and the proposed re-zoning of property at Badgerys Creek. Mr Richardson and Mr Byrnes are not suspected of any involvement in the McGurk shooting. (Read More >> ) Australia Day Tuesday 26th January 2010 Mental health advocate wins Aussie honour A CAMPAIGNER for better treatment for mentally ill young people is this year's Australian of the Year. Youth psychiatrist Patrick McGorry, from Victoria, was named the winner at a ceremony in Canberra… He runs the Orygen Youth Health service and is the director of Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation.... (Read More >> ) Download Kew Cottages - Alternative Plan Update: Family Support and Respite Care The Kew Coalition's original Public Land Plan for Kew Cottages was endorsed by the all party Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Land Development. Our plan was based in part on the adaption and re-use of some existing high quality disability facilities.... (Read More >>) (PDF Print Version) ** Monday 25th January 2010 Passing years, lack of options taking toll on ageing carers SARAH-JANE COLLINS January 25, 2010   Barbara Higgens with son Neil, who has been waiting for suitable supported housing for seven years. Photo: Angela Wylie EVERY day Barbara Higgens helps her son Neil get dressed and ready for day care. She lays out his clothes, helps him brush his teeth and checks that he's cleaned under his arms. (Read More >>) Sunday 24th January 2010 Mr B and the A Team State Politics Reporter at The Sunday Age Melissa Fyfe writes Illustration: Joyner With Parliament resuming next week and an election looming later this year, we assess the performance of the Brumby cabinet.... THE A TEAM John Brumby must be the envy of his interstate colleagues. ..... Not many people, particularly lawyers, like his strong-arm deputy, Rob Hulls, ... John Lenders, the self-confessed lover of spreadsheets, .... Meanwhile, Tim Pallas has gone from Steve Bracks' chief-of-staff to ministerial surprise packet, impressing industry with his can-do approach to roads, ports and major projects.... THE MINISTERS FOR STUFF-UPS AND INVISIBILITY ...Community Services Minister Lisa Neville is improving but someone must be held accountable for the crisis in child protection: almost 2200 at-risk children with no case workers and tragic pockets of regional neglect, as the Ombudsman found last year. Justin Madden is a good bloke and we wish him all the best with his new job explaining the Premier's ''respect agenda'' to the state's hoon-driving, binge-drinking, disaffected and anti-social youths. But where is the vision and policy cohesion in the planning portfolio? Efforts to charge today's land sellers for future infrastructure were a mess and now he seems to have put the urban fringe expansion on the backburner... Melissa Fyfe is the state politics reporter for The Sunday Age. Her next column will be on the performance of the Opposition. You can follow her on twitter.com/melfyfe. (Read More >> ) Saturday 2nd January 2010 Cash-strapped Liberal Party faces uphill electoral battle     Christian Kerr writes:   A CASH-STRAPPED Liberal Party faces an uphill battle as it seeks to fight and win four elections in the next 12 months. South Australia and Tasmania go to the polls on March 20, a federal election is expected in August or September and Victorians vote on November 27... (Read More >> ) 2010 ** Sunday 20th December 2009 To preserve democracy, political donations must be limited Josh Gordon National political reporter for The Sunday Age WHAT price democracy in Australia? As far as the broad mass of taxpayers are concerned, not that much, it seems. For the 2007 federal election, taxpayers chipped in about $49 million to help political parties run their campaigns, up from $10.3 million in 1987. That might sound like a lot, but compared to public funding for elections in other countries, it's relatively small beer. This is not to say Australian elections are cheap. In fact, the cost of funding them has been rocketing. Labor's spending rose by 116 per cent in real terms over the 20 years to 2004. Liberal spending surged 136 per cent. Public funding makes up just 20 per cent of election spending in Australia. The rest comes from a morass of donations, membership and affiliation fees, investments and fund-raising. Ask Premier John Brumby and he might say that this is all part of the democratic process. Is it not a basic freedom for individuals and companies to contribute to a political party if they wish? But perhaps a more pertinent question is whether that ''basic freedom'' carries with it an even bigger cost: the erosion of the democratic process itself. John Faulkner, previously special minister of state and now defence minister, warned in a green paper on electoral reform that ''spiralling costs'' of electioneering had created a campaigning ''arms race''. This has heightened the danger that fund-raising pressures would open the door to donations that might attempt to buy access and influence... (Read More >> ) Tuesday 15th December 2009 Graham Richardson is still a figure of influence     Irritated ... Graham Richardson during the inquiry / Pic: Alan Pryke Source: The Daily Telegraph Gemma Jones and Angela Kamper write: LABOR heavyweight Graham Richardson revealed himself as an unpaid policy adviser to Premier Kristina Keneally's Government yesterday. In sometimes heated exchanges at a State Government committee related to the Michael McGurk affair, Mr Richardson was asked about his contact with the State Government's leadership plotters and his influence in Government ranks. The former federal minister and now lobbyist, who said his car is his office, said he was in close contact with "puppeteers" Joe Tripodi and Eddie Obeid as well as controversial MP John Della Bosca in the lead-up to former premier Nathan Rees' downfall. Since Ms Keneally became Premier earlier this month, Mr Richardson said he had been offering free advice on policy matters but he denied he influenced the leadership change... (Read More >> ) Friday 4th December 2009 Victoria's disabled housing 'in crisis' Source:    Stateline Victoria Published:    Friday, December 4, 2009 12:00 AEDT Expires:    Thursday, March 4, 2010 12:00 AEDT Numerous stories of heartache from angry families have been told to a parliamentary inquiry into housing for Victoria's disabled, including the case of an autistic man who was driven to self-harm after being locked in a small room for hours on end. JOSEPHINE CAFAGNA, PRESENTER: A parliamentary inquiry into accommodation for disabled Victorians is expected to uncover a system in crisis. The committee has heard countless stories from families in despair; among them are Mark and Ellen Modra. They've watched their autistic son, Luke, deteriorate to the point of self-harm, after spending hours locked in a room with little more than a bed and a toilet. Erin Cassar reports. (Read More >> ) Tuesday 24th November 2009 Premier has 'open mind' on anti-corruption review   Elizabeth Proust will conduct the review. Victorian Premier John Brumby says he has an open mind about a review into the performance of the State's anti-corruption bodies. The review will examine organisations such as the Ombudsman, the Auditor-General, and the Office of Police Integrity. The review will be led by Elizabeth Proust, a former secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Video: Vic Govt announces anti-corruption review (7pm TV News VIC) (Read More >> ) Monday 23rd November 2009 Richardson to face planning inquiry again Brian Robins writes: THE lobbyist and former federal MP Graham Richardson will be called to appear again before a state parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry committee intends asking Parliament tomorrow for an extension that will allow it to call Mr Richardson for further questioning at a future date, with its deliberations to be wrapped up by late February. The Coalition, the Greens and the Shooters Party all support the extension, while the Government does not intend to oppose it, which means it will win parliamentary approval. The extension follows the Legislative Council committee looking into Badgerys Creek land dealings and planning decisions handing down its findings late last week, calling for ''substantial and urgent reform'' in the way lobbyists interact with Planning Department officials, along with an overhaul to political and election funding... (Read More >> ) Tuesday 17th November 2009 Will Brumby Match NSW Ban on Developer Donations ? Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition, today called on the Victorian Premier John Brumby to match the sweeping changes to State and Local election campaign funding announced by NSW Premier Nathan Rees on Saturday. Mr. Rees told the ALP State Conference in Sydney that 'a clean slate' ban on all donations from developers would apply to all levels of the party in NSW. Mr. Walsh said that all States and all political parties stood to gain by banning developer donations. "This electoral reform is long overdue", Mr. Walsh said. " NSW has finally seen the writing on the wall. The public has had enough of the stench brought about by large political donations linked to Labor lobbyists like Graham Richardson, and contentious developments like Kew Cottages." "Why has Victoria been dragging its feet for so long on this issue ? A national ban on developer donations is vital," Mr. Walsh said, otherwise the problem in Victoria and other States will just get worse." "Unless Brumby acts quickly to  match the NSW ban on donations,  'dodgy developers' from NSW will be able to start using Victoria to help 'ride around' the ban they now face in their home State," Mr. Walsh said. Monday 16th November 2009 Brumby runs a Labor Government? If so, it's in name only Senior columnist at The Age Kenneth Davidson writes The funding of two hospitals aids the wealthy as social policy withers. READERS of this column are well aware that I believe that the Brumby Government is, at the very least, hopelessly incompetent when it comes to core issues such as water, public transport and Melbourne planning and I spell out detailed reasons for these conclusions. These days the people I upset most tend to be Labor's rusted-on ''true believers''. At a recent conference on the subject of neo-liberalism organised by the left-wing Search Foundation I argued that the global financial crisis had totally discredited the efficient financial markets hypothesis on which neo-liberalism was built, but, as a political force justifying government hand-outs to the rich and powerful, it was alive and well. I gave some examples by reference to Victoria. At the conference Race Mathews - whom I greatly respect for a long, principled career associated with the Labor Party (as minister in the Cain government and the driving force behind the Fabian Society) - shouted at me that whatever the Brumby Government was doing, it wasn't corrupt... Read More >> Sunday 15th November 2009 Rees sets own agenda   Shake-up ... Nathan Rees and wife Stacey at the conference yesterday. Photo: Jon Reid LEESHA MCKENNY AND LISA CARTY write POLITICAL donations from developers will be banned in NSW under sweeping changes to campaign funding announced by Premier Nathan Rees yesterday. And lobbyists will be stopped from meeting departmental officials in coffee shops, with all meetings to be held on official premises or on the sites of proposed developments. Mr Rees said lobbyists had a role to play, but contacts with government should be formal, with full minutes of meetings taken and retained... Read More >> Tuesday 3rd November 2009 $10,000 to sit next to Brumby ROYCE MILLAR AND PAUL AUSTIN write PREMIER John Brumby is under mounting pressure over companies giving cash to the ALP while seeking access to Victoria's coal reserves, with the revelation that the main sponsor of a party fundraiser last week was a high-profile coal entrepreneur. Latrobe Fertilisers, a company proposing to turn coal into fertiliser, is pushing the Government to open Gippsland's coal fields for non-energy use. The company was the ''Gold'' sponsor of last Thursday's annual dinner for ALP fund-raising arm Progressive Business. The company's chairman, Allan Blood, sat at Mr Brumby's side for much of the evening in return for contributing $10,000 to the ALP. Mr Brumby refuses to comment on such discussions... Read More >> Friday 16th October 2009 Disability watchdog hits out PAUL AUSTIN writes A disabled and mentally ill woman has been locked up against her will in inappropriate accommodation for 21 years under state care, and nine other people with ''dual disabilities'' have suffered the same fate for at least the past eight years. Their cases have been condemned as a breach of the Victorian Government's human rights charter in a report to Parliament by the state's disability watchdog. The Office of the Public Advocate's report, based on the findings of more than 5000 visits to psychiatric facilities and other state-monitored care homes last year, paints a picture of residents living in fear in sub-standard accommodation, overseen by overworked and sometimes poorly trained staff. It calls on the Government to dramatically boost funding for better quality accommodation and care for thousands of weak and disabled Victorians. Public Advocate Colleen Pearce told The Age last night: ''We are failing our most vulnerable citizens when the Government does not provide adequate housing and social support.''... Read More >> Tuesday 6th October 2009 Sartor slams Keneally over lobbyist visits ANDREW CLENNELL AND MATTHEW MOORE write Frank Sartor. THE former planning minister Frank Sartor has broken Government ranks to condemn the fact that the Planning Department head Sam Haddad was able to be lobbied by the Labor identity Graham Richardson without his minister, Kristina Keneally, knowing or caring. Mr Sartor has called for a change in the way the Government deals with lobbyists following revelations that Mr Richardson met Mr Haddad on at least four occasions in the past year... Read More >> Tuesday 15th September 2009 Chilling words from The Fixer Andrew Clennell writes The words from Graham Richardson in February were almost chilling. They came down the phone with arrogance and defiance. It was a conversation The Sydney Morning Herald was having with Richo about him having to step out of the shadows after Premier Nathan Rees had set up a lobbyist register. The former senator and Labor general secretary registered at the time as a lobbyist for Medich Property Holdings, Walker Group, Hardie Holdings, Bradcorp and Berowra Waters Marina P/L. Richardson was as he always is: highly articulate, intelligent, and without any care or sufferance for a meddlesome journalist who might want to query his dealings with government or the Labor party. "I don't have to talk to ministers, I can get things done through other means," Mr Richardson said. "Often it's better not to talk to them [ministers] because if I do, people like you want to make something of it," he said. Read More >> State Politics Sunday 2nd August 2009 Why Brumby should take the Bligh road to integrity Melissa Fyfe writes Moves by Queensland's Premier to fight corruption put her ahead of John Brumby. WHEN former high-flying Queensland minister Gordon Nuttall was jailed recently, Anna Bligh did a little soul searching. The corruption that darkened the sunshine state in the Joh Bjelke-Petersen years was long gone, and yet here was a former minister taking secret commissions from businessmen. Had all the reforms of the Fitzgerald corruption inquiry meant nothing?... >>> Thursday 4th June 2009 Australia's State of Disgrace Why Justin Madden was censured by the Victorian Parliament Minor Political Parties - the New Conscience of Spring Street ? Large political parties in Australia have two things in common, no matter their political persuasion, they have all been accused of both branch stacking, and  of accepting dodgy political donations. But after Brimbank, both the Greens, and the DLP, the two minor parties on the cross benches in the Victorian Parliament have had enough of the damage associated with such practices. Brian Walsh, President Kew Cottage Coalition  interviews Peter Kavanagh, DLP about why he supported the 3-Jun'09 'No Confidence Motion' against Planning Minister, Justin Madden - the first such censure of a Victorian State Minister in 20 years. Dur: 4:39 == Kew Cottages future - Peter Kavanagh MP from Kew Cottages Coalition on Vimeo. == Interview - Peter Kavanagh MP from Kew Cottages Coalition on Vimeo. Victoria Australia's State of Disgrace ? "The Disability Sector has paid too high a price for what has happened here at Kew ... it is an absolute disgrace in my view..." Cr. Phillip Healey, Boroondara Council View Planning Backlash Video >>> http://www.vimeo.com/4513554 Courtesy: marvellousmelbourne.org Tuesday 19th May 2009 Cassie Maher writes: "The pleas of families, politicians and charities for more supported accommodation places in Boroondara fell on deaf ears in the State Government...  >> State Politics Sunday 10th May 2009 Exposing the underbelly: Victorian Ombudsman George Brouwer has released a scathing report about Brimbank City Council Brimbank: The bad and the ugly Michael Bachelard writes... "... In 2006 when the bloc was controlled by Theo Theophanous, and was still holding together, he could march into Brack's office after that year's election and say that he represented the Right faction's view about who should be a minister. He got his way... Steve Bracks and John Brumby were both aligned to this Labor Unity faction ... >>> Tuesday 28th April 2009 Cassie Maher writes: ...The Kew Cottages Parents Association, which supports relatives of people living in Department of Human Services community residential units, has called for a national standard for supported accommodation.        Executive officer Louise Godwin said in her submission that fluctuations across regions meant some residents were missing out. She said that a man in a community residential unit died ``shortly after'' unsuccessful attempts were made to get him appropriate care support the department allegedly said it could not afford. A coroner's inquiry was underway, Ms Godwin said... >>> Tuesday 31st March 2009 Cassie Maher writes: BOROONDARA councillors are outraged that buildings they proposed be used to house bushfire survivors at Kew Cottages have been demolished. The Hamer Centre and hydrotherapy pool were bulldozed by developer Walker Corporation with approval by Major Projects Victoria (MPV) and Heritage Victoria on Thursday, March 19. State Government spokesman Chris Owner said MPV received approval from the Department of Human Services that the pool was not being used and was not required. He added under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Mr Pallas could not intervene where demolition permits had been issued. Walker Corporation declined to comment. ********** Kew Community Facilities Questions. Given Clause B15 of the Walker KRS Development Agreement (see below*) Question 1. Is it now too expensive for DHS to provide its disabled residents with hydrotherapy ? Question 2. If the hydrotherapy pool was not being used, as is now claimed by Major Projects Victoria (MPV) and DHS, what "equivalent alternative facilities" have been provided for the intellectually disabled residents, and at whose cost  ? Question 3. What steps has the Minister for Major Projects, Mr. Pallas taken to ensure that Walker Corporation has fully complied with their contractual obligation to provide: ... at the Developer's  cost access to equivalent alternative facilities to the hydrotherapy pool so  that KRS Residents have access to a hydrotherapy pool at all times ?  (Clause B.15) *Extract from KRS Development Agreement 27-Oct'06 (p.94) B15 Community Facilities B1 5.1 Hydrotherapy pool (a) Subject to paragraph (b) the Developer must ensure that there is continuous access to the hydrotherapy pool at all times during the Construction Works until an alternative hydrotherapy pool is available as part of the Recreation Centre. (b) If the Construction Works result in the hydrotherapy pool being unavailable for use prior to completion of the Recreation Centre, the Developer must provide to the satisfaction of the State at the Developer's cost access to equivalent alternative facilities to the hydrotherapy pool so that KRS Residents have access to a hydrotherapy pool at all times. See: Department of Infrastructure   Major Projects Victoria     Contract Details     Contract No        3669     Title        Kew Residential Services Development Agreement     Type of Contract        Construction contracts     Total Estimated Cost        $60,000,000.00     Start Date        27-October-2006     Expiry Date        26-October-2014     Status        Open     Category        Building, Construction and Maintenance Services Thursday 19th March 2009 Brumby The Wrecker Was Here.. The Crescent Kew Has Victoria's ordeal by fire made Premier Brumby suddenly take leave of his senses at Kew Cottages? Or does he perhaps know something about his Government's wheeling and dealing with the Walker Corporation and former  Senator Graham Richardson, that the public does not yet know ? How else can one explain the fact that at a time of National Disaster, the State Government is not only demolishing the unsafe remains of those homes ravished by the bushfires, but has now rushed into demolishing the highest value emergency special accommodation that it still has available at Kew Cottages to help victims of the fires ? Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition, said today that, "The demolition of the Hamer Centre and hydrotherapy pool this week appears to be Brumby's belligerent response to Boroondara Council's reasonable request for the Kew Cottages demolition to stop." "This looks likes political vandalism of the worst kind ," Mr. Walsh said. As soon as Council wrote to the Premier requesting a halt to demolition, the Government's contractors, Walker Corporation and Delta Group, appear to have done the exact opposite ! Instead of halting demolition they have speeded up demolition. They have rushed their bulldozers from Stage 2 on the southern boundary of the Cottages right down to Stage 6 on the northern boundary, specifically to target and demolish the highest value public assets left standing on The Crescent. These are the very buildings that the Parliamentary Public Land Inquiry asked the Premier to investigate as a potential Respite Centre for the intellectually disabled." Mr. Walsh said that,"now that the State's deal with Walker Corporation is under investigation by the Ombudsman, the Government appears to have simply panicked. Do they really think that if they adopt a 'scorched earth policy' it will help get them out of the mess that they have got themself into at Kew Cottages ?" "There is no other rational explanation," Mr. Walsh said."There is no public benefit to be gained from the demolition. The Government's own blueprint for the site doesn't now envisage any new buildings will be constructed on this part of the site until 2012 - and their completion date has slipped back to 2014 at the earliest.  So the existing community facilities  on The Crescent, including the Hamer Centre swimming pool, could have been put to very good use for another couple of years at least,  giving Government plenty of time to review all their options for the future management of the Cottages for disability services, as requested by Boroondara Council. "Indeed, in their haste, the Government seems to have now completely forgotten the fact that Clause B15 of the Contract now under investigation by the Ombudsman, actually requires Walker Corporation to ensure that there is continuous access for residents to the hydrotherapy pool in the Hamer Centre until an alternative pool is built. "As the proposed new pool has not even been started, it looks like the Government has still got a lot of explain to do to existing DHS residents, as well as those on waiting lists for respite care," Mr. Walsh said. The Demolition of Unit 24 on The Crescent. Photo KCC. Tuesday 10th March 2009 Kew school chockers James Dowling writes.. KEW Primary School is “bursting at the seams” and the State Government has known of its predicament for more than 10 years.... >> Are you surprised ? Tuesday 3rd March 2009 And then there is the traffic issue... Prevention needed - John Barlow, Kew Click here to see what the traffic referred to by John Barlow looked like a year ago (April'08 ) And as Mark Staff has found, the traffic problem "during the morning and afternoon peak periods" has already got a lot worse... Tuesday 24th February 2009 Disability Accommodation for Bushfire Victims. Brian Walsh at Kew Cottages.  Photo: Progress Leader James Dowling writes in the Progress Leader A KEW lobby group, which has been trying to stop the Kew Cottages development, has denied it is exploiting the bushfire disaster to achieve its goal.... Planning Minister Justin Madden's spokesperson said that the buildings recently vacated were unsafe..(More >>) Kew Cottages Coalition's President, Brian Walsh, said today that Mr. Madden's claim that the recently vacated buildings were 'unsafe' sounded as though the Minister was out of touch, and poorly advised. "It would be good if Mr. Madden would visit the Cottages and see the accommodation for himself",  Mr. Walsh said. "We suggested to the Premier that the Government could make available Units 23,  24, and 25 on The Crescent. DHS itself has said these units are among the 'best' on the site, and they should know - because DHS only recently vacated the buildings. So the  'safety' problems that Mr. Madden is worried about are unlikely to be structural, and should not be hard to fix." Mr. Walsh said. "If Walker Corporation have already disconnected some of the services, sewerage, fire alarms, power etc, then they should be able to reconnect the services very quickly. Walker Corporation  already have the expertise on site, and I am sure they would be more than willing to help DHS get Emergency Accommodation safely up and running as soon as possible after the fires. "There is also a Hydrotherapy Pool close to the DHS Units on The Crescent - in the Hamer Sport and Recreation Centre. I understand that Walker Corporation's contract requires them to ensure that there is continuous access to this pool at all times during the Construction Works. So I would hope that the Hydrotherapy Pool, as well as the accommodation, could be made available by DHS to help bushfire victims." Mr. Walsh said. Other Links: Visit The Crescent at Kew Cottages with: Google Street View >>> (Click on the Google arrows to drive around The Crescent in Street View) >>> Google Satellite View >>> View Larger Map  Emergency Accommodation Website for Bushfire Homeless >>> Sunday 22nd February 2009 National Day of Mourning View of Yarra Glen during bushfires submitted by community volunteer (Photo: National Trust) The National Trust asks people to support the Australian Red Cross – Victorian Bushfire Appeal at National Trust Properties this Sunday 22/2/09 The Trust a registered charity will also donate $1 for every visitor Kew Cottages listing on the National Trust Register Tuesday 17th February 2009 Disability Accommodation for Bushfire Victims. Boroondara Council last night resolved to write to the State Government to immediately cease demolition at Kew Cottages while they consider the use of the undeveloped portion of the land for disability and more immediately Bushfire relief. Kew Cottages Coalition has  appealed to the State Government to immediately make available recently vacated accommodation at Kew Cottages for Bushfire victims - particularly those with special needs. Saturday 7th February 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires Tuesday 3rd February 2009 Progress Leader Letters on "Cottages Conflict of Interest Complaint" (27/2): Incompetence shown - Elizabeth Bentley, Rosebud Draw the line - Richard Grummet, Hawthorn East Kew Public Meeting Calls on the Government to halt all demolition, and all development approvals at Kew Cottages pending the outcome of the Ombudsman's investigation into the Government's Kew Cottages Development Agreement with Walker Corporation.... (More..) Summary of KCC Presentation (More..) Motions carried   Kew Public Meeting Tuesday 3rd February 2009 KEW COTTAGES COALITION INC. PRESENTS KewRuption ? at Kew Cottages and Kew Residential Services A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's PUBLIC MEETING MC Rod Quantock Guest Speaker David Davis MP MLC Southern Metropolitan Region Leader of the Opposition (Council) Former Chairman, Select Committee on Public Land Development   7pm Tuesday 3rd February 2009 Phyllis Hore Room Kew Civic Centre Cnr Cotham Road and Civic Drive KEW Melways  Map 45 D6 The next instalment in one of Melbourne's most contentious major projects. Topics for discussion: Why the Victorian Parliament has asked the Ombudsman to investigate the Kew Cottages Development ? What is an Ombudsman investigation ? How can the community help ? How have the State Government and Walker Corporation responded to the Public Land Inquiry ? What is Boroondara Council doing to help address problems with the current development ? ALL WELCOME ! Download Kew Cottages Coalition Newsletter January 2009 (PDF Print Version) Tuesday 3rd February 2009 Big property developers help line the pockets of ALP Royce Millar MP Evan Thornley gave more money to Victoria's ALP than any other individual. Photo: Craig Abraham JOHN Brumby's ALP continues to be bankrolled by companies either enjoying or seeking its favour, notably controversial property developers the Walker Corporation and Bensons Property Group.... >>> Tuesday 27th January 2009 Cassie Maher writes in the Progress Leader: KEW Cottages Coalition is demanding an independent investigation into heritage approvals for the contentious site.... ( View  readers' comments here ) Wednesday 7th January 2009 "Cottages scheme no longer viable..." Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition today claimed that the contentious "Walker Development Plan" for Kew Cottages launched by the Bracks Government in 2006,  has now stalled, and is currently 'dead in the water'. Mr Walsh said, "Walker Corporation has simply ignored the green light it got for Stage 2 subdivision last year, and  is now seeking Government approval for a much higher density subdivision at the Cottages.   "This action proves that Walkers themselves believe that the Government's original scheme is simply no longer viable," he said. "So we now appear to have a clear case of a NSW builder faced with an unviable project asking to be bailed out by their partner the Victorian Government. "It is not a healthy situation, and one we believe John Lenders, as Treasurer, should have a very close look at. "As Treasurer, he has responsibilities to give directions under S.13 of the Project Development and Construction Act if there is a contingent liability to the State - which there clearly is at the Cottages." View the  Kew Cottages Coalition Objection to Walker's Heritage Permit Application P13872 (Click here) View Heritage Permit Application Prepared by Walker Corporation Proposed 49 Lot Subdivision of Stage 2 (Click here) Summary of Proposed Changes to Stage 2 Up Apartment Buildings (Details confidential) Total Dwellings (Up 33% from 36 to 49 lots )  'No Through Roads' (Up from  0  to 2) Down Parkland, Trees, and Open Space ( Details confidential) Landscaped Road Reserves, Cycle Paths, and Footpaths  (Details confidential) Through Roads designed with Parking, and Footpaths suitable for the disabled (Down From  8 to 4) The Bottom Line Moonscape the majority of Stage 2 Lots (47 of 49 Lots) by Bulldozing all existing gardens and over 70 mature trees on the proposed private allotments  including: 5 State 'Heritage Registered' Trees (inc 2 Montery Pines, 2 Moreton Bay Figs, and a Bhutan Cypress) 12  Indigenous Trees 'Protected' under Native Vegetation legislation (inc Blackwood, Black Sheoak,  Lightwood, and Yellow Box. ) 2009 ** Saturday 13th December 2008 Cottages plan under attack Royce Millar, Age Investigative Unit December 13, 2008 THE State Government is under mounting pressure to rethink its $400 million Kew Cottages redevelopment, as the first residents of the scheme call for a halt to the next stage of work. At a public meeting this week residents from the 50-plus dwellings of the first stage of the project slammed the Government and its partner, the Walker Corporation, over what they said were changes to the designs of their homes after they were purchased off the plan. The residents have complained about myriad faults in their homes, including missing features such as bluestone and steel. And they are angry at poor environmental standards — notably an absence of a water recycling strategy. The meeting called on the Government to abandon stage two of the 500-dwelling project until problems were resolved in the first stage.... View Royce Millar's Full Story in the Melbourne Age >> Related Coverage Trouble in Kew  Dorothy Jones loves trees. Loves touching them and even ... Boroondara Council Studley Ward Public Meeting Wednesday 10th December 2008 Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey invites residents and other stakeholders to attend a ward meeting, specifically regarding the former Kew Residential Services site in Main Drive Kew.      All Local Members of State Parliament have been invited  inc: Andrew McIntosh (Liberal) ,  John Lenders (ALP),  Evan Thornley (ALP) Andrea Coote (Liberal),   David Davis  (Liberal, Chair. Public Land Inquiry) ,   Sue Pennicuik (Greens) The meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 10 December 2008 in the Freeman Room at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner High and Pakington Streets, Kew. (View Melways Map 45 D6 ) For further enquiries, please call 9278 4473. Wednesday 10th December is the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights PREAMBLE Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,... Thursday 4th December 2008 View Nick Higginbottom's Full Story in the Herald Sun ...> Print version >> St Kilda, Kew deals to be investigated Royce Millar writes in the Melbourne Age: THE redevelopment of Kew Cottages and the troubled revamp of the St Kilda triangle site are to be investigated by the State Ombudsman. A Legislative Council resolution pressed by the Opposition and the Greens last night sought the investigations following a parliamentary committee's inquiry into the State Government's handling of public land development. It is the first time the government watchdog has had such a referral from the upper house. Last night Deputy Ombudsman John Taylor confirmed his office would conduct the investigations... (more) Wednesday 3rd December 2008 Pressure for Ombudsman to Investigate Today the Upper House of the State Parliament will debate whether the Victorian Ombudsman should investigate the Brumby Government over its St Kilda Triangle and Kew Cottages land deals ... Former Senator Graham Richardson is not expected to attend. Live audio of the debate will be broadcast on the Parliamentary Website Wednesday, 3rd December is the United Nations  International Day of People with Disability Sunday 30th November 2008 Boroondara Local Government Election The Results.. Just three new faces for Boroondara Council Boroondara City Council Bellevue Ward MILES, Brad Cotham Ward BLOOM, David Gardiner Ward ROSS, Coral Glenferrie Ward MEGGS, Phil Junction Ward WEGMAN, Jack Lynden Ward KREUTZ, Heinz Maling Ward MENTING, Dick Maranoa Ward TRAGAS, Nicholas Solway Ward CHOW, Kevin Studley Ward HEALEY, Phillip Anthony Congratulations to all of Boroondara's new Councillors:-) Click here for details Tuesday 25th November 2008 Disabled at risk Cassie Maher writes (p.3)        KEW residents fear a disabled pedestrian could pay the ultimate price for unfinished roadworks in the Main Drive, Kew, estate.        About 95 former Kew Residential Services (KRS) residents have lived in 20 community residential units (CRUs) on the 27ha site since May.        Nicholas Bolin moved into one of the 75 new stage-one houses several months ago and said a lack of footpaths was forcing former KRS residents on to the road and into the path of construction vehicles.        ``One person nearly got bowled over by a truck and fell on his face in the tanbark,'' Mr Bolin said.... (more) ================================================== Heritage trees in peril Cassie Maher writes (p.13)        AN EMERGENCY on-site meeting will be held at Kew Cottages this week in a bid to save ailing heritage-registered trees.        Boroondara Council requested the meeting with Heritage Victoria, Major Projects Victoria and developer Walker Corporation following concerns raised by residents.        Studley Ward councillor Phillip Healey presented a slideshow of sick and dying trees at last week's council meeting.        He blamed the damage on semi-trailers driving over root zones and breaking limbs, and insufficient watering.        Heritage Victoria spokeswoman Angie Phelan said the Walker Corporation was required to have a tree management plan for heritage trees within the development area, including protective fencing, and a maintenance program for heritage trees outside the development area. Boroondara planning director Phillip Storer said he wanted to see the health of trees improved before the council took control of parts of the site in the future...(more).     The Battle for Boroondara Round 5 Local Election Update. Thursday 13th November 2008 On this day 5 years ago the Bracks Government suddenly seized control of the Kew Cottages redevelopment, and cancelled Third-Part Appeal Rights Danger... Guided Democracy @ Work Think Global.. (Think Economic Meltdown...) (Victoria's Public Health System in crisis..) (Victoria's Disability System in disarray...) Act Local.. It's local election time again in "Marvellous Melbourne" AND Unlike in the USA Voting is Compulsory So if you are enrolled make sure you "Vote Early & Vote Often..." (ie: at least once in every four years.. :-) Boroondara Election Links Our How To Vote Card for Carers (Please pass it on..) The Deadline - For your vote to count, it must be received by the Returning Officer by 6.00 pm on Friday, 28 November 2008. The Candidates Kew Cottages Entry Poll: The Winners BRAG Victorian  Electoral Commission You can post your ballot paper and ballot paper envelope in the reply paid envelope provided, or deliver it in person to: Hawthorn Town Hall, Hawthorn Room, 1st Fl/360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 9.00 am - 5.00 pm weekdays plus 9.00 am - 8.00 pm on Thursday, 27 November and 9.00 am - 6.00 pm on Friday, 28 November "...If you do not like their policies then vote them out ! However, one problem with elections is that you always end up with a politician !" Long Suffering Politician , Camberwell, 2008 Friday 7th November 2008 Burke charged with Corruption Graham Richardson's protege is back in the news... DISGRACED former West Australian premier Brian Burke has been charged with corruption and giving false evidence to the Corruption and Crime Commission.... Thursday 23rd October 2008 The Melbourne Age Editorial Contriving a conflict where none has gone before "... a bill before the State parliament has taken the long battle between Spring Street and Victoria's town halls to a new level.. the effect of this legislation can only be to deter community activists from seeking election..." Saturday 19th October 2008 Power and persuasion Known in Labor circles as a powerbroker and a branchstacker, Theo Theophanous has had a colourful and controversial political career. Photo: Penny Stephens Writes Michael Bachelard in The Melbourne Age Tuesday 16th September 2008 Kew Plan under fire Friday 12th September 2008 Blast on public land deals by committee Nick Higginbottom writes AN all-party parliamentary committee has blasted the Brumby Government's handling of development of public land. And the committee wants an independent anti-corruption commission set up... Monday 7th July 2008 "SYDNEY-based property baron Lang Walker is said to boast he can 'buy and sell' any government in Australia.  "So it would seem he costed the Bracks Government at $100,000 in September 2006. Just over a year before, in June 2005, Walker Corporation was chosen as the preferred developer for the $400 million transformation of Kew Cottages into upmarket housing..." Political donations linked to developers, contractors Writes Royce Millar in The Melbourne Age Investigation How Labor gets its cash Read Royce Millar's full story "With Strings Attached" here President of the Kew Cottages Coalition, Brian Walsh, said, " The Age investigation now shows that the political donations linked to Graham Richardson and  the Main Drive Kew  development are just the tip of an iceberg ." Mr. Walsh said, "It looks like the people of Victoria have been set up to be sold down the river in exchange for developer donations.  It's time for Premier Brumby to put a stop to this madness. "Its time to stop stalling. Brumby must now prove to the Parliament beyond reasonable doubt, that he has got clean hands in this matter, and that neither his party, the Victorian Labor Party,  nor his Government, have been corrupted by the developer donations. "If he is unable to do that immediately, then I challenge the Premier to call the Sydney developers' bluff and:  Stop the clock on the  Kew Cottages development;  Cancel further stages of the Walker Corporation contract; and  Setup an Anti-corruption Commission in Victoria to investigate all of the donations identified by the Age." Monday 7th July 2008 OSCAR-winning actor Geoffrey Rush yesterday challenged the Brumby Government to create satellite cities to cope with Melbourne's booming population. Rush said "building out or up" had been the only options offered by the Government, creating a minefield of planning disasters. "It just seems odd to me that on a continent so big that we have most of our population areas clinging just to the coast," he said. Click here to read Geraldine Mitchell's full article Sunday 6th July 2008 Planning Minister Justin Madden apparently forgot he had been invited to the Clock Tower... Planning Backlash Public Meeting So John Clarke and Brian Dawe stepped in to give him a hand at the launch of his new " IKEA Plan" for Kew on the MarvellousMelbourne.org website THE Brumby Government is facing a growing backlash from the suburbs as an army of resident groups battles traffic congestion and the loss of neighbourhood character caused by over-development.         Speakers inc: Geoffrey Rush,  Rod Quantock (MC),  Mary Drost (Convenor) David Davis (Lib MP Chair. Public Land Inquiry) , Greg Barber (Greens, MP) 120 Resident Groups to rally - Moonee Valley Clocktower (Town Hall) Sun July 6 - 2:30 ANGRY ABOUT A PLANNING APPLICATION IN YOUR  AREA?? FEELING HELPLESS?? JOIN OVER 120 RESIDENT GROUPS FROM CITY, COAST & COUNTRY  TO TELL PREMIER BRUMBY & MINISTER MADDEN: “We're mad as hell and we're not going to take this anymore.” NO! to stripping away our right to object/appeal. NO! to stripping away council's planning powers. Public Meeting at the Clocktower (Town Hall) 750 Mt Alexander Rd.  Moonee Valley Melway Ref.28 J6 Tram 59 ..Airport West from Elizabeth St.   Broadmeadows Train to Moonee Ponds (Sundays  for seniors) SUNDAY 6TH JULY 2.30-4.00pm Minister Madden has been invited.   WILL HE COME? CLICK HERE FOR A MAP For info. Google www.marvellousmelbourne.org or ring  Mary Drost  0401 834 899 June 2008 Monday 30th June 2008 Kew Cottages Coalition proposal for KRS Site KCC President, Brian Walsh,  and Dr. Lindsay Grayson appear before the Select Committee on Public Land Development to present the Coalition's proposal for the future of the site. (More..) Friday 20th June 2008 Heritage tree damage costs developer $150,000 Steve Butcher writes in The Melbourne Age INCOMPETENCE by the company re-developing the former Kew Cottages site has cost it more than $150,000 after five heritage-listed trees were endangered during works....(more..) Friday 13th June 2008 Madden can't recall signing From: Herald Sun PLANNING Minister Justin Madden was forced on to the back foot in Parliament yesterday when he couldn't remember if he'd signed off on stage two of the controversial Kew Cottages redevelopment. Democratic Labor Party MP Peter Kavanagh refreshed Mr Madden's memory during Upper House Question Time, saying the minister had told Parliament on May 27 he was almost certain he had not given approval. Mr Madden yesterday responded "I don't pretend to remember all those (documents) that come before me" and said he would take the question on notice. Click here to read the full article on the Herald Sun website Wednesday 11th June  2008 Select Committee on Public Land Development The Committee tabled its Second Interim Report (109Kb) CHAIR’S FOREWORD  ....The new evidence received on key sites are highlighted in this second interim report, including the Kew Residential Development, a proposed development on the Port Campbell headlands, the continued alienation of public land within the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, and the St Kilda Triangle development. With respect to Kew Residential Services, serious concerns have arisen about the process and the outcome of this development. The Committee’s second interim report again highlights the determination of the Deputy Premier to prevent scrutiny and deny the Committee full access to critical Government documents in relation to this development...." David Davis MLC Chairman The Legislative Council agreed to extend the Committee's reporting date until 11 September 2008 *** Wednesday 28th May 2008 Brumby Must Establish "Anti-Corruption Commission" - Before it is Too Late ! Brian Walsh, President, Kew Cottages Coalition today called on Premier John Brumby to personally intervene in the Kew Cottages development debacle, and to fast-track the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission in Victoria. Mr Walsh said, "The writing is now on the wall for everyone to read. Bracks really dragged the chain compared to the other States when it came to trying to solve the problem of political corruption. And the question now has to be asked - why ? " As reported in The Age, today the Select Committee now has learnt of a further large donation to the Victorian ALP from another client of Graham Richardson,who was found to be secretly linked to the Kew deal. According to the Australian Electoral Commission the publicly listed Sydney based developer Mirvac donated $50,000 to the Victorian ALP just 4 days after Walker Corporation was awarded the contract. Friday 23rd May 2008 Mary Bolling writes in the Herald Sun.... PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has denied knowledge of a developer's $100,000 political donation to his party, only a month before the developer won the contract for the $400 million Kew Cottages project... Mr Madden, facing questions from the Select Committee on Public Land Development, said yesterday he was Commonwealth Games minister when the controversial Kew decision was made -- and he ignored who made political donations to his party, anyway. Committee chairman and Liberal MP David Davis said Kew Cottages site developer Walker Corporation made the $100,000 donation to the Victorian Labor Party on September 4, 2006. (More..) Thursday 22nd May 2008 Kew site contract linked to donation Click here for Cameron Houston's full story from Ministers Madden & Theophanous appear before the Select Committee into Public Land Development. *** Monday  28th April 2008 Kew Cottages Coalition makes its preliminary submission P12879 Unclear and Unsafe. to Heritage Victoria on Walker Corporation's Application P12879 for a Stage 2 Heritage Permit. Monday  14th April 2008 Heritage Victoria undertakes to investigate the delay in Walker Corporation's advertising of its Stage 2 Heritage Permit Application.  Heritage Victoria then announces it is extending its Deadline for public submissions to 28th April 2008.  Friday  11th April 2008 Walker Corporation finally places its overdue Public Notices on Main Drive advertising its Stage 2 Heritage Permit Application but then on the same day...... Friday  11th April 2008 The Stage 2 Incident Planning Minister Justin Madden suddenly and secretly issues Walker Corporation with a Stage 2 Planning Permit for Subdivision and Native Vegetation Removal (More..). Publication of other Permits continues normally on a daily basis on the Ministerial Public Register. However, publication of  the Kew Cottages Permit is delayed for over a month Note: Planning Permit No. 20070638 is finally added to the Ministerial Register after the Minister is called to give evidence before the Select Committee on Public Land Development. (Madden appears before the Committee on 22nd May 2008 and answers questions about Walker Corporation's political donations to the Victorian ALP. ) The Kew Cottages Coalition subsequently finds that Planning Permit No. 20070638 was issued 'informally', and was therefore probably an illegitimate permit. The Minister for Planning apparently: Failed to comply with the Heritage and Planning regulations; Failed to refer Walker Corporation's Application for Subdivision to Heritage Victoria; Issued a permit that breached existing Kew Cottages Heritage Permit controls on the historic avenue of oak trees along Main Drive. Wednesday 2nd April 2008 A small Public Notice, as required by the Heritage Act, is published in The Age advertising Walker Corporation's Application for a Stage 2 Heritage Permit. However, Walker Corporation's local advertising of its own Stage 2 Heritage Permit Application, advertising which is also required by the Heritage Act 1995 is mysteriously delayed. Deadline for submissions 16th April 2008 *** Thursday  13th March 2008 Carol Nader, The Melbourne Age, p2, 13th March 2008 It's official..... "Damning report into disability accommodation"  Herald Sun 13th March 2008 The State of Victoria in Australia is failing to house the intellectually disabled. BUT WHY ? Read the Press: ABC,  The Age , Herald Sun, Read the Auditor General's Report tabled in Parliament yesterday Saturday  1st March 2008 The Australian Financial Review's 'A State of Disgrace' story highlights Walker Corporation and Mirvac  lobbyist Graham Richardson's continuing role in NSW politics... >> *** Monday  25th February 2008 Beautiful Melbourne v. The NSW Bulldozers (Again...! ) An Open Letter to  the Planning Minister of Victoria Mr. Justin Madden Re: Objection to Walker Corporation Application for Kew Cottages Stage 2 Planning Permit and Subdivision (Nov-07) Dear Minister, As you will be aware the ABC today reported on the Prime Minister's expressed concern at the now well established problem with developers and political donations in NSW. The Premier of NSW, Morris Iemma, is now reported to have pledged to reform political donation legislation in NSW before the end of the year. As both  Victoria's Planning Minister, and the Responsible Planning Authority for Kew Cottages, you may choose to look the other way, but never again can you say you did not know that: Political corruption is a major problem in the NSW planning and development industry; Many NSW developers are now operating in Victoria; There are two developers specifically named in the Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Public Land Development's, First Interim Report (Dec-07). They are Walker Corporation and Mirvac. The are both NSW based developers. They are both named in relation to the Victorian State Government's dealings with the Kew Cottages Development; The Select Committee expressed its concern regarding: a "lack of transparency in State Government dealings with Walker Corporation"; and "possible influence of Walker Corporation political donations during the development approval process"... Given the seriousness of these issues I respectfully request that you recognise that the public interest in Victoria will now best be served by you: giving your closest possible personal attention to the Walker Stage 2 Permit and subdivision application; ensuring a fair, open, and  transparent assessment process; investigating the three matters, detailed below, regarding what appears at face value to be: a secret attempt by the State to fast track the demolition of a Heritage listed building (the Cottages Womens Hospital, 1899); an attempt by the State to hide the fact that the initial Demolition Permit has now been outdated in consequence of two major changes to the Development Plan (C65 in Mar-2006 & your 6-Feb 2008 Addendum); an attempt by the State to avoid reviewing the need for one or more additional buildings to be retained; an attempt to hide the fact that the State has agreed to financially compensate Walker Corporation if Heritage Victoria determines that the National Trust listed Kew Cottages Womens Hospital building must remain protected under the Victorian Heritage Act. Please acknowledge and respond in due course. Yours sincerely, Brian Walsh President Kew Cottages Coalition Encs: 1. Beautiful Melbourne v. NSW Bulldozers) 2. Submission Attachments : Extracts Heritage Act & Walker Corporation KRS Contract The Age Friday 22nd February 2008 "Paying the price" FINANCIAL REVIEW Saturday 16th February 2008 ".. Mirvac forgets its Ps and Kews" Dotting Is and crossing Ts, Mirvac forgets its Ps and Kews Tuesday 5th February 2008 Kew Public Meeting Calls on the Government to stop obstructing the current Parliamentary Public Land Inquiry, and to fully cooperate with the Inquiry, particularly in their investigation into Kew Cottages Development Project... (More..) Summary of KCC Presentation (More..) Motions carried KEW COTTAGES COALITION INC. PRESENTS TIME TO GO ! at Kew Cottages and Kew Residential Services A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's PUBLIC MEETING MC Rod Quantock 8 pm Tuesday 5th February 2008 Phyllis Hore Room Kew Civic Centre Cnr Cotham Road and Civic Drive KEW (Melways  Map 45 D6 ) The next instalment in one of Melbourne's most contentious major projects. Topics for discussion: Report on the Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Land Development. Why Walker wants to sell out of Kew Cottages ? Why Walker must go ? How Brumby can help Walker to go now ? ALL WELCOME ! Stop Press For an update on current developments at Kew Cottages please join a Pre-Meeting Tour. The Tour will start at: Time: 7pm Tuesday 5 February 2008 Location: Wills Street Picnic Area, Cnr Wills & Redmond Street Entrance to Kew Cottages and Yarra Bend Park. Map: Melways 45 A4 (Click Here) This will be especially helpful for Wills Street  and other residents effected by Walker Corporations latest Subdivision Application. Links: Map of Kew Cottages Proposed Stage 2 Subdivision Proposal to Moonscape Stage 2 bulldozing  70 trees An electronic copy of the complete Planning Permit Application No. 20070638 lodged with the Minister for Planning on 29th November 2007 is now available online Stage 2 Planning Permit Application (Vol 1) Stage 2 Planning Permit Application (Vol 2) Please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne  for access to updated information and the original hardcopy documentation lodged by the applicant. The Story So Far (more...) For a printer friendly copy of the Coalition's January 2008 Newsletter (Click here)  Feedback: If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown on this website, please let us know  so that we can correct or extend the information provided. Background.... Behind Closed Doors in Victoria 2007 Monday 4th February 2008 Obituary DAX Dr Eric Cunningham AO Former Chairman of the Victorian Mental Health Authority 18-5-1908 - 29-1-2008 The funeral of one the greatest defenders of Kew Cottages, Dr. Cunningham Dax will be held at 2pm today (February 4) in Doncaster .  When Dr. Dax was born in England in 1908, Kew Cottages had just come of age. However, by the time Dr. Dax  came to be appointed as the Victorian Mental Health Authority Chairman after the second World War, the Cottages was in a very sorry state of neglect. In 'Payment by Results' Kew Cottages the first 100 years 1887-1987 Arthur Lloyd said that Dax's appointment in 1952 was a 'sheer stroke of genius': Dr. Dax was a man of great stature, a big heart, wide vision, unlimited energy and enthusiasm, and deep compassion. he was an organizer and a leader.... Prime Minister Menzies, the only occupant of that office ever to visit the Cottages, praised the work of Dr. Dax and said: "Most of my generation thought of these hospitals in the wrong sense. We failed to realise that mental illness and retardation need materials and scientific treatment." Dax struck up a very positive relationship with the media particularly with Bill Tipping, one the Melbourne Herald's best journalists. Together they helped focus public attention on  the longstanding problems posed by apathetic politicians and chronic underfunding. Dr. Dax went on to champion a wide range of reforms and innovations at the Cottages. As well as helping change the hearts and minds of the politicians of his day, he also proved particularly adept at gaining the strong support of the public and community groups. Melbourne Rotarians, the Lions Clubs and other Service Groups, the Kew Cottages Parents Association, the Retarded Children’s Organizations, the C.W.A., the Tipping Foundation, the Master Painters, the Parks and Gardens  all came to the aid of the Cottages in response to Dax's call to arms in the 1950's Over fifty years later Dr. Dax returned to the fray, and appealed to these organisations for help once again. On 30th August 2005 he wrote to the Progress Leader newspaper to express his outrage at how the mental health system had been dismantled in Victoria, and to call for a Judicial Enquiry into the sale of the public lands surrounding the hospitals and centres for the intellectually handicapped, in particular Kew Cottages. "Such an Enquiry would identify the persons connected directly or indirectly with the building organizations who are erecting the houses or have a financial interest in the destruction of the hospitals and the sale of their lands. It would also discover what has happened to the large amount of money obtained in this way..." The Bracks Government's response was swift.  The very next day on 1st September 2005 the Government announced their Kew Cottages KRS redevelopment project would henceforth be protected by the confidentiality provisions of the Project Development  and Construction Management  Act. Dr Dax, however, had the last laugh. In May 2007 the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament voted to establish a Select Committee to inquire into the sale and development of public lands, in particular Kew Cottages. The Public Land Inquiry continues.... The Chapel Funeral of Dr Eric Cunningham Dax AO will be held at Tobin Brothers Reflections of Life Chapel, 816 Doncaster Road, Doncaster on Monday 4th February at 2.00pm. A Private Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cunningham Dax Collection. Envelopes will be available at the Chapel. *** 2008 ** From The Archive... 2007  Royce Millar's Front Page Story The Age Wed Mar 28 2007 'Richo' on board cottages project' (Click here for Hardcopy Version) Or Read Online Version at: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/richardson-weighs-in-on-cottages-project/2007/03/27/1174761470790.html

Background Environment Issues Monday 10th July 2006 Melbourne Channel 10 TV News Reports "Yarra Bend Park May Now Be Under Threat" from Deadly Tree Disease at Kew Cottages View  Windows Media  wmv video file (1min39s): (Archive ..)	Bracks Government Cover up on Biosecurity Threat to Yarra ? Tuesday 14th March 2006 Brian Walsh tells the ABC's 774, Jon Faine, he is astounded that the Government now claims it was unaware of the discovery of the fungus at Kew Cottages. Walsh says the Government claim is nonsense, "our information is that they have known for weeks.. " (see below) Listen to the full Interview mp3 audio (2min 34s):

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